FAQs

Answers about the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program from application time to travel and tax benefits.

What is the citizenship by investment program?

The independent British Commonwealth and Caribbean nation of Antigua & Barbuda established the Citizenship by Investment program in 2013 to encourage resort development, stimulate the growth of the tourism industry and attract investors. By making a qualifying purchase in an approved project under the Citizenship by Investment program, such as Papaya Hotel & Spa at Rendezvous Bay in Antigua, investors become eligible to apply for citizenship.

Do I need to give up my existing Citizenship?

The Antigua & Barbuda government allows dual citizenship and will not publish any information about persons acquiring citizenship nor will they inform your present country of citizenship.

Does my family qualify for citizenship as well?

Yes. Your family can also obtain citizenship under your application. Qualified dependents can include parents above the age of 65 and children up to 25 years of age with additional government fees payable.

How do I qualify for this program?

To qualify for the property investment program, you need to make a minimum investment of USD $400,000 in a government-approved real estate project, such as Papaya Hotel & Spa. In addition, you need to pay other fees and taxes as applicable and fulfill the formal requirements as specified by the government.

When do I get my passport?

Government approvals and processing may take about 3-6 months from the submission of your application.

Can I speed up this approval and processing process?

It is important to choose a reputable legal representative for the submission of your citizenship application. Papaya Hotel & Spa can recommend approved legal representatives who work very closely with the Government Citizenship-by-Investment Unit to ensure smooth processing of each application and to maximize the efficiency of the process.

What are the benefits of Citizenship?

The various benefits of having a Antigua & Barbuda passport include visa-free travel to approximately 130 countries, tax free status, tax-free trade with Canada, duty-free trade within the Caribbean and more. (See Benefits of Citizenship for complete and detailed list)

Will there be an interview with the Government before I am granted the Citizenship?

No interview is required with the government; however, stringent due diligence is carried out by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda on citizenship applicants.

How long is the passport valid for?

The passport is valid for 5 years and renewable thereafter subject to the passport holder spending a minimum of 35 days in Antigua & Barbuda in the first 5 years or citizenship. Please note that in August 2014 the government of Antigua & Barbuda announced they would be reducing the minimum residency to 5 days in the first 5 years of ownership. Please contact us for the latest update.

When do I have to pay for the property?

When making the application, a 10% deposit has to be paid. Once your citizenship application has been approved in principle by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship Investment Unit, the balance along with the government application fees, becomes payable. The government fees have to be placed in escrow prior to the submission of the application package to the government or paid directly to the government at the time of submission.

Can I permanently reside in Antigua & Barbuda and will I have to pay tax?

Yes, you can reside in Antigua & Barbuda at any time for any length of time, once you are granted citizenship (you must retain ownership of your approved property investment for a minimum of five years).

In Antigua there is no worldwide income tax and personal taxes from money made in Antigua is quite low. To become tax resident, a citizen must be deemed to reside in Antigua ordinarily for a minimum of 183 days. For more detailed information, please contact us.

Is there a residency requirement in Antigua & Barbuda?

Yes, there is a 35-day residency requirement in the first five years to maintain your citizenship. This can be fulfilled at any time in the first 5 years i.e. 7 days each year or one 35-day visit.

Please note that in August 2014, the government of Antigua & Barbuda announced that they are considering reducing the minimum residency to 5 days in the first 5 years. Please contact us for the latest information.

What are the different fees associated with the Citizenship by Investment program?

Legal Fees

US $35,000 (example) Fees vary depending on the Legal Representative/Processing Agent engaged to
handle your application and depending on the number of applicants.

Government Application Fees

￼￼US $50,000 - Main Applicant
US $50,000 - Spouse
US $25,000 - Dependents (0 – 17 years)
US $50,000 - Dependents (18 to 25 years and in full time higher education, or parents over 65 years living with Main Applicant)